THE EDUCATION OF KIA GREER

A reluctant teen star struggles to defy her mother’s expectations and forge her own path outside the spotlight.

Kiara “Kia” Greer isn’t as beautiful, interesting, or talented as her more famous older sisters—or so the tabloids, and even her mother, who manages her career, seem to suggest. Enter Cassius Campbell, a teen idol, heartthrob, and hitmaker who takes an interest in her. Cass and Kia instantly spark, and together they inspire headlines that fan the flames of Growin’ Up, her family’s long-running reality TV show. Yet despite her momager’s prodding her to focus on her budding celebrity and stay close to home rather than attend college, Kia considers leaving Hollywood and discovering who she really is. Her deepening trust in and love for Cass inspire her to be true to herself and not simply embody the version she plays on camera. The book also explores colorism; Kia and her sisters have a Black dad and white mom.  Cass, who’s Black and pansexual, is exploring his gender identity. The relationships debut author Bennett develops feel lived in, imbued with both levity and moments of gravitas. Kia is an unconventional protagonist with an unusual background whose challenges with family, first love, and growing up will resonate with readers who are grappling with similar experiences.

A lovely coming-of-age story that explores family, fame, and self with a sweet and spicy romance as the cherry on top.